Living Out the Fruits of the Spirit Daily
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound significance of the fruits of the Spirit as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23. These fruits—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are not just virtues to be admired but essential elements to be actively practiced in our daily lives. The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is evidenced by these fruits, and they serve as a stark contrast to the sinful nature that we are called to leave behind.
We delved into the importance of consistency in embodying these fruits. It's not enough to show love or patience one day and abandon it the next. The Christian journey requires a steadfast commitment to these virtues, as they are the markers of a life transformed by Christ. The sermon emphasized that everyone receives the Holy Spirit upon believing in Christ, but it is up to each individual to activate and utilize this divine presence in their lives.
Self-control was highlighted as a particularly challenging but crucial fruit. Without it, we leave ourselves vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy and the pitfalls of our sinful nature. The sermon also touched on the importance of being teachable, as a heart open to learning is essential for spiritual growth and transformation.
We were reminded that material possessions and earthly achievements are fleeting and cannot secure our place in heaven. Instead, it is the cultivation of these spiritual fruits that prepares us for eternal life with God. The message concluded with a call to action: to start applying these fruits in our lives today, no matter how small the steps may be, and to trust in God's timing and guidance.
### Key Takeaways
1. Consistency in Practicing the Fruits: The fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—must be consistently practiced. It's not enough to embody these virtues sporadically; they must be a daily commitment. This consistency is what transforms our lives and aligns us with Christ's teachings. [38:31]
2. The Challenge of Self-Control: Self-control is one of the most challenging fruits to cultivate but is essential for spiritual growth. Without self-control, we leave ourselves open to sin and the enemy's attacks. It requires daily effort and reliance on God to master this virtue, but it is crucial for living a Christ-like life. [44:12]
3. Material Possessions vs. Spiritual Fruits: Earthly possessions and achievements are temporary and cannot secure our place in heaven. True value lies in the cultivation of spiritual fruits, which prepare us for eternal life with God. This perspective helps us prioritize our spiritual growth over material gains. [47:00]
4. The Importance of Being Teachable: A teachable heart is essential for spiritual growth. If we are not open to learning and being corrected, we cannot grow in our faith. God uses various experiences and people to teach us, and we must be willing to listen and apply these lessons in our lives. [54:56]
5. Trusting in God's Timing: God's timing is different from ours, and we must learn to trust in His plan. While we may desire immediate answers to our prayers, God knows the perfect time for everything. Patience and faith in His timing are crucial for our spiritual journey. [01:16:40]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[34:24] - Opening Prayer
[35:09] - Honoring the Pastors
[36:19] - Wrestling with God’s Message
[36:58] - Introduction to the Fruits of the Spirit
[37:46] - Galatians 5:22-23
[38:31] - Practicing the Fruits Daily
[40:02] - Romans 8:9
[41:30] - The Importance of Consistency
[42:19] - Examples of Joy and Kindness
[43:01] - Contrast with Sinful Nature
[44:12] - The Challenge of Self-Control
[45:28] - Living a Christ-like Life
[46:08] - Jesus’ Sacrifice for Our Sins
[47:00] - Material Possessions vs. Spiritual Fruits
[48:25] - The Impact of Bad Fruit
[49:33] - Giving Bad Fruit to God
[50:18] - The Consequences of Anger
[51:41] - Loving One Another Despite Differences
[52:58] - The Power of a Shining Light
[54:56] - The Importance of Being Teachable
[57:00] - The Role of Authority and Power
[59:13] - The Process of Spiritual Growth
[01:02:57] - Personal Testimony of Transformation
[01:06:44] - The Christian Battle Against Sin
[01:09:33] - Letting the Old Self Die
[01:12:41] - The Need for Forgiveness
[01:16:40] - Trusting in God's Timing
[01:18:36] - The Dangers of Temptation
[01:21:33] - Never Stop Loving
[01:24:32] - Taking Small Steps in Faith
[01:25:02] - Applying the Fruits Daily
[01:27:22] - The Power of Forgiveness
[01:27:59] - Final Encouragement and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."
2. Romans 8:9: "You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him."
3. 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23?
2. According to Romans 8:9, what distinguishes those who belong to Christ from those who do not?
3. How does 2 Corinthians 5:17 describe the transformation that occurs when someone is in Christ?
4. In the sermon, what was highlighted as a particularly challenging but crucial fruit of the Spirit? [44:12]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is consistency in practicing the fruits of the Spirit emphasized in the sermon? How does this consistency reflect a life transformed by Christ? [38:31]
2. The sermon mentions that material possessions and achievements are fleeting. How does this perspective help prioritize spiritual growth over material gains? [47:00]
3. What does it mean to have a teachable heart, and why is it essential for spiritual growth according to the sermon? [54:56]
4. How does trusting in God's timing challenge our natural inclinations, and why is it important for our spiritual journey? [01:16:40]
#### Application Questions
1. Think of a specific area in your life where you struggle with self-control. What steps can you take this week to rely more on God to help you in this area? [44:12]
2. Reflect on a time when you prioritized material possessions over spiritual growth. How can you shift your focus to cultivate the fruits of the Spirit instead? [47:00]
3. Identify a recent situation where you found it difficult to be teachable. How can you open your heart to learning and correction in similar future situations? [54:56]
4. Consider a prayer or desire you have been waiting on God to answer. How can you practice patience and trust in His timing this week? [01:16:40]
5. Choose one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit to focus on this month. What specific action could you take to cultivate it as part of your interactions with your family?
6. Think of a person who tests your patience. What is a short prayer you can say before the next time you interact with that person?
7. Reflect on a past experience where you felt the presence of the Holy Spirit guiding you. How can you be more attentive to the Holy Spirit's guidance in your daily life? [38:31]
Devotional
Day 1: Consistency in Practicing the Fruits
The fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are not just virtues to be admired but essential elements to be actively practiced in our daily lives. Consistency in embodying these fruits is crucial. It's not enough to show love or patience one day and abandon it the next. The Christian journey requires a steadfast commitment to these virtues, as they are the markers of a life transformed by Christ. This consistency is what transforms our lives and aligns us with Christ's teachings. The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is evidenced by these fruits, and they serve as a stark contrast to the sinful nature that we are called to leave behind. [38:31]
Galatians 6:9 (ESV): "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
Reflection: Think of one fruit of the Spirit you struggle to practice consistently. How can you make a daily commitment to embody this fruit, even in small ways?
Day 2: The Challenge of Self-Control
Self-control is one of the most challenging fruits to cultivate but is essential for spiritual growth. Without self-control, we leave ourselves vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy and the pitfalls of our sinful nature. It requires daily effort and reliance on God to master this virtue, but it is crucial for living a Christ-like life. Self-control helps us resist temptations and maintain our focus on God's will for our lives. By practicing self-control, we can better align our actions with our faith and avoid the destructive consequences of sin. [44:12]
Proverbs 25:28 (ESV): "A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls."
Reflection: Identify a specific area in your life where you lack self-control. What practical steps can you take today to strengthen your self-control in this area?
Day 3: Material Possessions vs. Spiritual Fruits
Earthly possessions and achievements are temporary and cannot secure our place in heaven. True value lies in the cultivation of spiritual fruits, which prepare us for eternal life with God. This perspective helps us prioritize our spiritual growth over material gains. By focusing on the fruits of the Spirit, we can shift our attention from the fleeting nature of material wealth to the eternal significance of our spiritual journey. This shift in focus allows us to live more meaningful and purpose-driven lives, centered on God's will. [47:00]
Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV): "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Reflection: Reflect on your current priorities. Are there material possessions or achievements that you are placing above your spiritual growth? How can you realign your focus to prioritize the fruits of the Spirit?
Day 4: The Importance of Being Teachable
A teachable heart is essential for spiritual growth. If we are not open to learning and being corrected, we cannot grow in our faith. God uses various experiences and people to teach us, and we must be willing to listen and apply these lessons in our lives. Being teachable means having a humble and open attitude, ready to receive God's guidance and correction. This openness allows us to grow in wisdom and understanding, becoming more like Christ in our daily walk. [54:56]
Proverbs 9:9 (ESV): "Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning."
Reflection: Think about a recent situation where you resisted correction or instruction. How can you cultivate a more teachable heart and be open to God's guidance in the future?
Day 5: Trusting in God's Timing
God's timing is different from ours, and we must learn to trust in His plan. While we may desire immediate answers to our prayers, God knows the perfect time for everything. Patience and faith in His timing are crucial for our spiritual journey. Trusting in God's timing requires us to surrender our own desires and expectations, allowing Him to work in our lives according to His perfect plan. This trust brings peace and assurance, knowing that God is in control and His timing is always best. [01:16:40]
Ecclesiastes 3:11 (ESV): "He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end."
Reflection: Reflect on a situation where you are struggling to trust God's timing. How can you surrender your impatience and trust that God will work things out in His perfect time?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The fruit of the Holy Spirit is the result of the Holy Spirit presents in life of Christians. So that's letting everybody know, you have to practice. You have to adapt to the fruits and apply it to your everyday living. You can't do the fruit today and not tomorrow. You can't show love today, and not tomorrow. You can't have patience today, and not tomorrow. It's not going to work. It's not going to work. Because the Bible makes it clear that everyone receives the Holy Spirit the moment that they believe. Once you believe that God died upon the cross for your sins, you receive the Holy Spirit." (64 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Without God, we'll get nowhere. Without God, you won't wake up in the morning. Without God, you won't start your day. Without God, all things are not possible. But with God, all things are possible. All possible. But that's what the fruits do for you. The fruits of the Spirit. That's what they do for you. They help you live a Christ-like life. Christ-like. Turn to your neighbor and say, Christ-like. That's the only way you're going to enter the kingdom of heaven." (43 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If you want to know who Jesus was, know the fruit. Know the fruit. That's who he was. He was all about love. All about love. And for somebody that died upon the cross for our sins, not just your sins, our sins. He didn't die for two or three sins. Some of the sins. Most of the sins. But he died for all of our sins." (31 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I'd rather be dead broken knowing I'm going to heaven. I'd rather catch the bus and don't have no car knowing I'm going to heaven. No offense, I'd rather be homeless and knowing I'm going to heaven. Because all this stuff is going to be left right here. It's going to be, it's going to be left. You can't take it with you. How many U-Hauls you seen behind the hearse? Taking it with you." (30 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If you're bearing bad fruit, pluck it off and get rid of it. And that bad fruit is consistent of anger, being depressed, being stressed, doing things that are not of God. Get rid of it. Work on it. Pray about it. Fast about it. Don't stir on it. Because it make you fall. It make you weak. It give room for the devil to attack. And you don't want that. Now if you got a fruit in your life that's bad, pluck it off and get rid of it. Matter of fact, give it to God. He can handle it. Give it to God." (58 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "You have to apply the fruits to your life. Love. You can't love today and hate tomorrow. It's not going to work. You can't have joy today and be mad tomorrow. It's not going to work. You can't have joy today and be depressed tomorrow. It's not going to work. But if you apply the fruits in your life and to take time, take one fruit at a time and apply. Work on it. And as you start feeling the love that you should be possessed and given, you will start receiving the same stuff back." (54 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The fruits of the Holy Spirit is direct contrast of the acts of sinfulness in nature. In Galatians 5, 19-21, it says, Now the works of the flesh are evident. Sexual immorality, adultery, envy, strife, jealousness, anger, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these, I warn you, as I warned you before. That those who does such will not enter the kingdom of God. So that's letting you know, as long as you do evil, you're not going to make it. As long as you think you're going to sin, you're not going to make it. As long as you think you're just going to walk around and do what you want to do, you're not going to make it." (59 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If you apply it to your everyday living, then, you'll gradually start seeing some change in your life. And that's when your light will start to shine. Your presence will be known without you even have to say a word. Like we could walk through here, and Miss Anne is one of the quietest person I wanna see, but everybody know Miss Anne. Because her light shine. It shines. It shines. I don't, no questions asked. She don't have to get a little loud like Bob do, but you know. But Bob my buddy, he know I love him to death. So I could pick on her." (47 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We all born with gifts. But we all don't use them. We all don't exercise them. We all don't activate them. But I can see Miyagi do something that God gave him. Instead of me activating mine, I want what he got. I can't have what he got because I haven't went through the things he went through to get it. You can't. Only thing I can do is say, I love what God have done for Mr. Miyagi because his gift ain't my gift. He might have a gift for tongues. I might have a gift for discernment. His hand might have a gift for prophecy. You know, not saying God couldn't put, activate another gift in my life as I grow. I think gifts be activated as you grow higher in Christ." (84 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We have to exercise that fruit in our life every day. From love to self-control. It's in the book. Read it. He'll lead you and guide you every day. Every day. Every day. But we all have to learn to be teachable. That's a big part of being a Christian, to be teachable. If you can't be teachable, how can God teach you something? How can God teach you something there? How can God teach you something, Chris? If you ain't teachable, he can't teach you nothing you're hard-headed. You're hard-headed." (62 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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